NEWS – Groundwork Greater Manchester 2035 Framework for Action Launch

On Wednesday 14th October 2026 Groundwork Greater Manchester unveiled its new 2035 Strategic Framework for Action, bringing together partners from across government, health, business and the voluntary sector at a launch event held at Campfield in Manchester city centre.

The event was opened by Groundwork Greater Manchester Chair Tom Besford and Tom Ross, Leader of Trafford Council and Greater Manchester Combined Authority portfolio lead for the Green City region, before Groundwork Greater Manchester’s Executive Director Deborah Murray set out the organisation’s vision for the decade ahead.

Speaking to attendees, Deborah highlighted Groundwork’s commitment to putting people at the heart of regeneration and creating strong, authentic partnerships that deliver lasting change. She called on partners to see Groundwork not simply as an environmental charity or project delivery organisation but as a long-term strategic, place-based partner.

The Framework for Action sets out three ambitious partnership propositions that will guide Groundwork Greater Manchester’s work to 2035:

  • Green Futures – Creating a green workforce through pathways for all
  • Green Resilient Neighbourhoods – Community-powered preparedness
  • Green Live Well – Nature’s cure for inequalities

Attendees also heard from Venetia Knight, Director for Employment & Enterprise, and Lucy Stowell-Smith, Strategic Lead for Urban Nature, who explored the opportunities for collaboration under each ambition and showcased examples of Groundwork’s work already making a difference across Greater Manchester.

Launching the Framework, Deborah said:

Partnership is at the heart of our Strategic Framework for Action. By working together to support people, strengthen communities and improve places through a green lens, we can help create a Greater Manchester where every neighbourhood is resilient, thriving and full of opportunity.

The event marked the start of a new conversation with partners across the city region, with Groundwork GM inviting organisations from all sectors to work together to turn the Framework’s ambitions into action over the next decade.

The full 2035 Strategic Framework for Action can be viewed below:

Groundwork GM 2035